Called to co-pastor at Life on the Vine in the winter of 2021, Susanne is married to Jeff Calhoun and they are raising two energetic daughters, Eliana and Eloise. Susanne received her PhD in Historical Theology from Wheaton College in 2018 and is a graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MA in Church History, 2007) and Trinity International University (BA in Christian Ministries, 2003). Susanne has served as an adjunct professor in Christian Doctrine and Christian Ministries at Trinity International University (2016–2020). At Life on the Vine, she has ministered as a co-youth pastor since 2018, a pastoral fellow in 2019, and a shepherd since 2020. Previous ministry experience includes two decades of mentoring young women, four years as a research assistant and volunteer coordinator for the Office of the Senior Pastor at The Chapel (Grays Lake, Illinois), three summers as a camp counselor at Arrowhead Bible Camp (New Auburn, Wisconsin), and three stints as a student and a leader with Youth With A Mission at training schools in Britain and the Middle East.

Stacey and her husband, Gary, live in Hoffman Estates. Stacey grew up in Rock Island, Illinois and then studied at the University of Illinois, where she got her Bachelors in Psychology and East Asian Studies. After graduating from the University of Illinois, Stacey worked at a campus church in Champaign/Urbana for 12 years. During her 12 years working in campus ministry, Stacey spent many summers participating in mission trips to Japan. In 2012, Stacey moved to Japan as a career missionary with SEND International where she served with Intervarsity Japan. Due to an injury, Stacey returned from the mission field in 2015, at which point she landed in the Chicago area. She spent about five years coaching and training missionaries before transitioning into her role at LOV. Stacey met Gary in 2018 and they were married in 2019. She recently graduated from Northern Seminary where she obtained a Masters in Theology and Mission.

Tim graduated from Trinity International University in 2005. He has worked in local school districts to make technology, information, and systems work better for teachers and students. As Artist in Residence at LOV, Tim helps to engage our community with art and physical symbols that help us experience and explore our faith. This often involves curating the artwork on our walls, encouraging the artists in our community, or leading us through meditations on art from time to time. Additionally, Tim serves as one of our Music Team Leaders. Tim is married to Lindsay, and they have three kids in Highwood, IL. 

Zach joined the team in 2023 as Director of Youth and Family Ministry. Zach has a BA in Bible and Communications from Moody Bible Institute and an MA in Theology and Mission from Northern Seminary. Prior to his time at LOV, Zach worked for 7 years as a worship pastor in Chicago, and he has worked with youth for over 15 years in various contexts. Zach lives in Palatine with his wife Jocelyn, their son Emmett, and two dogs: Chovi and Rooter. 

Leah has served as Director of Children's Ministry since August of 2019. Not only does Leah have many years of children's ministry experience, she works as an Instructional Coach in District 62 (Des Plaines) where she gets to be a teacher to teachers. Along with her vast experience as an educator, Leah brings her passion for creativity and her warm nature to our children and to the parents and volunteers she trains.

In addition to being Managing Editor of technology and science website Ars Technica, Eric serves as our head liturgist and liturgy team coordinator at Life on the Vine. Eric earned an M.A. in Theological Studies from North Park Theological Seminary. Since September of 2018, he has helped coordinate and train the liturgists who shape our prayers and worship at Life on the Vine. Eric is married to Kerry Bangeman; they have a daughter, a son, and two dogs in Park Ridge, IL.

Book keeper, geo cacher, mom of two bright young people, wife of the multi-instrumentalist Hans Lindemann. Dina has served as Treasurer to Life on the Vine for an untold number of years (although she probably knows the exact number since her job is all about numbers).